We won a trip to BATANES!!!

Dear Diary,

I know, what are the chances of winning a trip to Batanes, right? It wasn't actually me who won but my bestfriend Ivy. I've just always been lucky to be her bestfriend for seven years now.

To her, it felt like winning the lottery;

to me, it felt like winning the lottery twice.

We were buzzer beaters on the day of our flight, didn't make it until the final boarding call. In there we met Dale and Kirby and saw the rest of the Regatta X Batanes crew. I had no idea that it was star studded with Javi Cang, Kurt Mendoza, vloggers Daniel Marsh, Haley & Wil Dasovich, and also John Austria & Mark Javillonar of #SinoPinas joining us on our trip. links to their profiles below

What to expect on your flight to Batanes? Flight delays. The airport in Basco (provincial capital town) can only accommodate small aircrafts so the weather decides on whether your vacay is a go or a no. In our case tho, the plane we were on experienced technical difficulties just as the seatbelt sign went off and had to make an immediate u-turn. We fortunately made it back after a safe landing at NAIA Terminal 4, and then had to wait 'till tomorrow.

Fun Fact # 1

Ivy and I spent 4 hours at the buffet table for dinner during our layover.

#CarbFest #CarbsOnCarbs

Fun Fact # 2

Batanes is the only province in the Philippines declared by our government

as a Protected Landscape and Seascape area.

We made it to Basco the next day. Once the pilot announces the descend of the plane, passengers will be able to take a peek of the breathtaking archipelago through their windows. October this year wasn't such a good time to visit the province... or so I was told.

Two weeks prior our visit was the landfall of typhoon Ferdie (internationally known as Meranti) raised at signal no. 4. Crops and infrastructures were damaged and they're still in the state of recovery. Our hotel ran on generators and had to shut it for hours in order to save energy. Cellular networks and internet connections were down in most areas. Luckily, there were no casualties, and despite the typhoon's devastation, I still think that Batanes is a paradise.

at Racuh a Payaman a.k.a. Marlboro Country
Photo by Ivy Macandili & TJ Leonardo

Being declared as a Protected Landscape and Seascape area, its authenticity, as well as the Ivatans' (their natives), are preserved well. To be totally honest, I was kind of scared that it might've become mainstream for tourists after a recent local film shot there featuring the famous Honesty Coffee Shop. It totally wasn't. I totally swear. It is serene and breathtaking as it's always been. I'd highly recommend it for couples like co-winners Rio & Win, and soul searchers. Meanwhile, Regatta helped us tick it off our bucket list, an out of town adventure with my bestfriend Ivy, as well as co-winners Boom & Mara. Regatta also handed their donations for those affected by the typhoon.

Fun Fact # 3

Everyone was given a Php 5k worth of shopping budget each

so we could wear Regatta the entire trip.

at Basco Rolling Hills
Photo by Kirby Balagtas

at Song-song Ruins
Photo by Kirby Balagtas

I can blab about the trip the entire day, but Batanes is something one must experience and not just read about. We were there for two whole days and went home on the third day. There's too much to see, more than what our lenses could only capture. The panoramic sceneries they boast are legit and are not just tales. Nevertheless, here are links for a glimpse of our getaway capped off with a bonfire, some milky way sprinkled s'mores... and yes, maybe a few shots of rum.

Regatta:

https://www.facebook.com/Regatta.Clothing/videos/vb.103982866301404/1315835581782787/?type=2&theater

VLOGSQUAD

Daniel Marsh: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_J-aY944Jc

Wil Dasovich:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwuQrufLMYE

Haley Dasovich:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JtNbXbBeMQ

Check out more photos on Instagram!

It's really unbelievable to win something this big. I mean, who or just how many people actually wins a promo as such? I just have to say- totoo pala yung mga ganitong promo. Okay lang pala umasa minsan, lalo na kung alam mong meron kang mararating.

I'd like to note this as the farthest I've reached so far without cash on hand.

To Ivy, Dale, Kirby, and the rest of the #RegattaXBatanes crew- for making this trip unforgettable...

Dios Mamahes!

G.